Think about the last time you found yourself with some time to spare.
Did you feel bad about not filling that time with another chore?
It might seem challenging at first, but when embraced, Ma can help you meditate as well.
In kanji, “Ma” is illustrated with a door () and a sun ().
The sun, which sits in the middle (), symbolizes the space between.
Even their architecture and gardens employ the energy and life that space has to give.
To the Japanese, empty spaces don’t signify something negative.
They’re considered sacred a chance to connect with yourself, those around you, and a higher power.
“An everyday example of Ma can be seen in the respectful Japanese bow,” Matsumoto added.
“Silence is sacred,” she said.
The idea is to intentionally train your mind to be comfortable with pausing.
The Japanese also believe that small day-to-day activities, done mindfully and purposefully, can bring happiness.
Once you’ve altered your mindset using Ma, meditating becomes so much easier.
